'kon gres 2011 - LEADR's 11th international ADR conference

Creating a child centred agenda in family mediation

Podcasts, powerpoints and/or papers from the presentations are available to LEADR members and
'kon gres 2011 participants via a password protected area. Click here >>

sam april Research has informed the development of child sessions and child feedback within the family dispute resolution process. This workshop will provide an overview of the research on separated children and families and demonstrate the need to ensure practice that assists clients to engage in positive behaviours which reduce the psychological, developmental, and physical impact of significant life stressor on children throughout childhood.

The development and implementation of a child centred approach to mediation practice as it occurs within Relationships Australia will be previewed. And additionally, the workshop will provide an overview of the techniques used in assessment during the child session and other processes for developing and delivering feedback within a child centred framework.

Participants will be guided through three processes that can assist mediators to adopt a child centred approach within family mediation.

Participants will have the opportunity to work in groups and role play techniques.

April O’Mara (left)

BA Justice Studies, LLB, Post Grad Dip Psych, Registered FDRP, Registered Psychologist, currently completing her PhD in family dispute resolution.

April is the Senior Clinical Leader for Family Dispute Resolution and Child Consultancy for Relationships Australia (Qld). April’s roles involves providing expert assistance in the development and implementation of relevant clinical procedures, supporting high standards of clinical practice across the Organisation, and reporting on the effectiveness of service delivery in specific program areas. April’s research focuses on interventions which assist separated families, parents, and children.

Samantha Aldridge (right)

B App Sc Psych, G Dip Psych, Registered FDRP, Registered Psychologist currently completing Bach of Laws.

Samantha is the Executive Director – Development & Practice, Relationships Australia Qld. Samantha oversees clinical practice and service delivery quality assurance state wide for the organisation. This includes development and review of quality practice standards, practice frameworks, clinical performance, staff supervision, professional development, and the management of an organisational response to duty of care and ethical issues, child safety and serious matters.